Table of Contents
Raising the Next Generation as Christ-Followers
Thursday 28th November 2024
Guiding the next generation to know and follow Christ is a sacred calling. Our role as parents, mentors, and community members is to impart knowledge and nurture a vibrant faith that shapes their character, values, and purpose. This mission requires intentionality, as children and young people are constantly influenced by the culture around them. By investing in their spiritual growth, we help them to develop a deep-rooted, personal relationship with God that will guide them throughout their lives.
Scripture underscores the importance of raising children with a foundation of faith. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us,
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
This verse speaks to the power of early and consistent guidance. It highlights that introducing children to God’s love, wisdom, and truth from a young age lays a foundation that withstands the challenges and distractions of the world.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God instructs His people,
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
This Scripture paints a picture of faith not as a compartmentalized part of life but as woven into the fabric of everyday moments. Raising children in Christ isn’t only about Sunday worship; it’s about nurturing a living faith they see and experience daily, whether at home, school or with friends.
Jesus Himself showed the high value He placed on children when He said,
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”
Matthew 19:14.
Jesus recognized the potential for young hearts to understand and embrace God’s kingdom. This reminds us that our children are not merely future believers; they are active participants in God’s family now, capable of grasping and living out kingdom values.
Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 6:4 further guides us:
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This underscores the need for nurturing rather than imposing faith. Our role is to encourage, teach, and model what it means to follow Christ with patience and love, allowing their faith to grow authentically and meaningfully.
Raising the next generation as Christ-followers is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and love. By building a foundation rooted in Scripture, embodying Christ’s example, and encouraging an active, personal relationship with God, we prepare our children to navigate the world as faithful followers of Christ. Through our dedication, we help shape a generation that will shine God’s light and live as true ambassadors of His kingdom.
Partners & Volunteers Gathering | Save the date! | Sunday 2nd February 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are sorry to let you know that the Partners Gathering scheduled for Sunday, 1st December, has been postponed. The event will now take place on Sunday 2nd, February 2025, as we gather for a special Celebration and Vision Casting specifically for our partners and volunteers at BCOC. While the exact time will be communicated soon, this is an occasion you won’t want to miss! We’ll come together to celebrate all that God has done in our community over 2024 and also look ahead with excitement for what’s to come. It will be a time of heartfelt thanksgiving, especially for the dedicated volunteers and partners whose contributions make our church the thriving community it is today. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Join our Fantastic Volunteer Team!
Fulfilling the vision and mission of Berwick Church of Christ is only made possible through the dedication and service of our wonderful volunteers. As we have grown, the need for more volunteers has increased. Volunteering is partnering with Jesus to touch lives with his love. Serving as a volunteer is hugely rewarding, and a fun way to meet new friends and help our church community to flourish. We need your support in the following areas…
- Worship – Musicians and Sound Technicians
- Kids Church – Sign-in, Safety, and Room Team
- Playgroup
- Food Pantry – Set up Team
Ready to jump on board? Click the link and complete the Volunteers Application Form.
Thank you for being a part of our community. We can’t wait to see you make an impact!
Kids Church | Sunday 1st December | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | The Angel and Mary (Luke 1:26-33, 38)
5 to 12-year-olds | In the Beginning Was the Word | John 1:1-5, 14
Sunday Service | 1st December | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
When Jesus died, people were convinced that he would be just another person whose revolutionary ideas were killed with him. On the contrary, his ideas, example, and transformative influence on humanity are without comparison to this day! He is worthy to be adored!
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 1st December | 5:45 pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Christmas Carol Services | Sunday 8th December | 9:00 am, 11:00 am & 6:00 pm
Join us for a joyful celebration of the Christmas season at our Christmas Carol events on Sunday, December 8th. Services will be held at 9am, 11am, and 6pm, featuring a program of special song items, solo performances, and a special time of singing Christmas carols together.
This year’s theme, “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” invites us all to reflect on and celebrate the great gift of Jesus to the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together in praise and joy, embracing the true meaning of Christmas. There will be a Photobooth available from December 8th until the end of the month, so join in the fun! Kids Church programs will run as usual at 9am and 11am, but no Kids Church program will be running at 6pm. All are welcome to join in this festive occasion! Please come early to secure a seat as there is no live stream.
YA Social | TenPin Bowling | Sunday 15th December | 6:00 pm
HEY YOUNG ADS, WE’RE GOING BOWLING!!! You are invited to our FINAL social of 2024!
We are going to OZ TenPin Bowling Narre Warren for some bowling and food. Food will be provided as well as 2 games of bowling. The cost is $20 and we cannot wait to see you there!
Key Details:
- Date: 15th December 2024
- Location: OZ Tenpin Narre Warren, 14/22 Lauderdale Rd, Narre Warren VIC 3805
- Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $20 - What to wear: Your best bowling attire!
- All YA invited (including VCE).
Drinks are not included but there is a cafe where you can buy drinks. Please note that this is an alcohol free event.
Christmas Day Service | Wednesday 25th Decembr 2024 | 9AM only
On Christmas Day we will celebrate our Saviour’s birth with one service at 9:00 am. How wonderful to start the day by worshiping our risen King and enjoying fellowship with our church family.
No Church services | Sunday 29th Decembr 2024
As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for your incredible dedication and support. You’ve given so much, and now it’s time for a well-earned break. There will be no church services on Sunday 29th December as our volunteers will be taking a rest over the Christmas holidays, and we will be reopening on Sunday, 5th January 2025.
We are deeply grateful for everything you do, and we wish you a joyful, peaceful holiday season. We can’t wait to serve with you again in the new year! With sincere thanks.
Young Families | Camping Weekend | Friday 21st February 2025
Calling all camping families – kids of any age are welcome!
Get ready for a weekend of making unforgettable memories! We invite you to join us from February 21st (Friday) to February 23rd (Sunday) 2025, for the Young Families Camping Weekend at Warburton. Strengthening the bonds between your family and others is our main priority!
Enjoy crisp, fresh air, surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of freedom, watch children play around the campsite, enjoy the fantastic free Water Park and paddle in the Warburton River. Warburton has plenty of cafes, and Redwood Forest has fantastic walking and cycling trails and is great fun for photos.
At night, get ready for cosy campfires, where we’ll swap stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy fellowship.
We are staying at the Warburton Holiday Park. Camping is loads of fun (and much easier with a group).
So gather your adventurous spirit, pack your sense of humour, and join us for this amazing weekend. Come and embrace the great outdoors with us!
Please mark your calendars and book soon because our Young Families Camping Weekend awaits and sites are filling up with 120 people already registered!
Have a safety concern?
We are serious about keeping our faith community safe. We encourage all staff, volunteers, partners and congregation to report any concerns they have about safety and wellbeing. We are committed to handling all concerns seriously, legally and in a child-focused way (if concerning children).
If you have any concerns about safety at the Church, we strongly encourage you to share your concern with one of our Pastors or the Safety Contact Person, Karen Fletcher and fill in our Reporting Concerns Form.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
